The decal is the self-adhesive type and the blank is matte gray - so not glossy smooth - finish. Can I put the decal straight on the blank, then epoxy over, or do I have to put a layer of epoxy on for smoothness first?

You can do it either way.

When I lay down the decal I always wrap over the ends of the decal on both sides, this helps to keep it layed down.

Marty generally speaking if it is a clear decal it will look better with a coat of finish on the blank if the decal is solid then it doesn't matter, something Tom found if you roll the decal over the blank and hold it down with rubber bands or such it tends to take the shape of the blank better and becomes easier to install, the thread Bill mentioned helps in keeping the edges from lifting
John

I Apply the decal directly to the blank then I wipe it softly with Alcohol and a coffee filter then wrap both ends and apply one thin coat of finish. After dry I apply second finish to cover. This way just in case there was a problem with the first coat with contamination etc it can be fixed easily before I apply the final coat. Works fawlessly for me.

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

I recently tried a trick I read here somewhere. I had a decal that wanted to lift on one edge. I wrapped it with thread and warmed it with the hair dryer and let it sit overnight. When I removed the thread it stayed down.

I like to put down a thin coat of finish on a matte blank before applying any decal - personal preference only.

I always apply over finish so I can't say for sure but I would think that on a matte blank, the area under the decal would stay matte, while the finish will make the rest of the area high gloss

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!